Forestry Manufacturing Jobs and Investment Tax Credits Passes General Assembly

Forestry Manufacturing Jobs and Investment Tax Credits Passes General Assembly

What Happened:
Late Tuesday, the Senate passed the amended HB 134 — now including GFA’s “Keep Georgia Forested Act” (formerly HB 1085). The update allows transferability of existing manufacturing and investment tax credits for forestry manufacturers, a key priority to attract new industry investment. The bill now heads to the Governor’s desk.

Why It Matters:
With just days before Sine Die, timing was tight. Rather than risk delays on HB 1085, legislative leaders folded its contents into HB 134 to fast-track passage. The result is a practical, bicameral solution that expands a proven incentive—helping Georgia compete for forestry manufacturing jobs and capital investment.

What The Bill Does:
The core provisions of the bill did not change, as a reminder, here is what the bill does:

• Makes Georgia’s existing Jobs Tax Credit and Investment Tax Credit transferable for qualified forestry manufacturers

• Allows a one-time transfer of credits to another Georgia taxpayer — creating a practical way for companies to turn tax credits into usable value

• Includes a five-year sunset — requiring annual reporting

• Caps total available credits at $250 million over five years

Thank You:
GFA wants to thank all of those who helped get this legislation across the finish line – including the legislators and organizations that supported it.

• A thank you to Rep. Jesse Petrea (R-Savannah) for being the primary sponsor of the bill alongside Pro Tem Larry Walker (R-Perry) who served as the Senate sponsor. We want to thank Speaker Jon Burns and Lt. Governor Burt Jones as well for helping usher this legislation through their respective chambers.

• A thank you to our partners under the gold dome who played a key role in garnering the support this bill needed: Georgia Farm Bureau, Georgia Agribusiness Council, The Metro Atlanta Chamber, The Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Association of Manufacturers, National Federation of Independent Businesses, and many others who signed onto our support letter (linked here).

What’s Next:
HB 134 awaits Governor Kemp’s signature. Once signed, the updated, transferable credit is expected to strengthen Georgia’s ability to recruit and grow forestry manufacturers statewide.